Michigan to Support the Technical Arts With $5 Million in Grants By Early 2018

Michigan will be offering $5 million in grants and technical career education.

It seems like everybody wants a bachelor’s degree nowadays, but what about skilled labor? I don’t know about you, but I went into a bachelor’s program completely unaware that trade schools or grants were even an option. We still have these needs for technical arts but don’t always fund them or give them the same attention as traditional bachelor’s programs. This $5 million dollar effort in competitive grants is meant to encourage growth in these areas. They will likely come into effect in early 2018.

The investment is part of a $12.5 million resolution “to help students gain in-demand career skills on state-of-the-art equipment, boost awareness, and provide more training opportunities,” said state Superintendent Brian Whiston.

“We want students across the state to have access to stronger career and technical education programs,” continued Whiston. “These grants will help all districts, and allow some to show how to develop partnerships within their communities and build awareness so students know what opportunities exist.”

The need for increased funding in these fields is extremely apparent. Not only to encourage current students, but also to update the current equipment being used in the field.

“These grants will help schools modernize, with the guidance from local partners who know the skills – and equipment — needed to be successful today and moving forward,” said Roger Curtis, director of the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development.

I didn’t even know that Michigan had a Department of Talent and Economic Development. At least we’re on top of it! More practical training on the job and in education means more talent and economic development for Michigan. We’ll take it!

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